Traveling to the Spanish capital on a business trip? Then this Madrid travel guide is for you! We’ll look at how to get around, the best areas to stay, and where to schedule your meetings for the most smooth and hassle-free trip possible!
Whether you’re looking for where to grab some tapas with your workmates between meetings, or taking some time to check out some of the main attractions on your downtime, this Madrid travel guide & tips will help you to organize your trip and have a winning business trip.
Getting to/from and around Madrid
The great news about Madrid is that it’s an incredibly walkable city, especially around the city center and main tourist attractions. If your visit takes you to the IFEMA conference center for a conference or event, you’ll need to rely on transportation like the metro. You can get off at the feria de Madrid station when taking line 8, which is the same line that you can take to and from the airport, so it’s very convenient.
When arriving at Madrid-Barajas Airport, the best way to get to the city center is a taxi, which costs around €30. There are also cheaper options like the Cercanias train from Terminal 4 or you can take the metro from any terminal to Nuevos Minesterios where it’s easy to connect to anywhere else in the city. Keep in mind there is a special surcharge that is added to the regular ticket price when traveling by metro to and from the airport.
All the major ride apps like Uber, Cabify and Free Now are available in the country’s capital. If you decide to travel by train, the city is well connected by rail with the rest of the country and France. Puerta de Atocha is one of the largest train stations, as well as Chamartin, which is used to connect Northern Spain with the capital, and eastern Spanish cities like Segovia.
Where to get a bite to eat
Madrid’s Chueca neighborhood is full of trendy restaurants, and the areas of Huertas and La Latina (two historical neighborhoods) are great to go on a tapas crawl. Don’t be surprised if you find madrileños standing while they eat as it’s common to eat tapas standing up, and hopping from one bar to the next to check out each bar’s special delights. Of course, if you’re setting up a business lunch meeting, make sure the place you choose has sitting room, and book well in advance.
Did you know?
There are many legends behind the origin of tapas, but one of the popular stories dates back to the 13th century. Stories say in Andalusia where tapas likely originated and are still very popular, drinks would be covered with a piece of cheese or cold cuts to protect flies and bugs from falling in during the hot summer weather.
Business districts in Madrid
Las 4 Torres (The 4 Towers) is an important business area, which contrary to its name actually has five towers. Gregorio Marañon is without a doubt one of the most central Business regions in Madrid with lots of international businesses having their headquarters here. AZCA on the other hand, is where you will find most of Madrid’s skyscrapers, and is the city’s main financial hub. A lot of international companies also have their hubs here. It is easily connected with Spain’s high speed train (AVE), and here you will find Google’s headquarters.
Best things to do in Madrid
For those of you who have a little extra time on your Madrid business trip, here’s a list of the best things to do in Madrid:
- Go shopping on Gran Via
- Wander around the Parque del Retiro
- Visit top museums like la Reina Sofía, El Museo del Prado or the Thyssen
- Soccer levels may want to check out the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium where Real Madrid plays
- Wander around the center’s winding streets, Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol
- If you have the chance to stay on through Sunday awnings, then don’t miss El Rastro flea market held on Sundays and public holidays and wander around El Barrio de la Latina
- Check out the nightlife in Chueca, Malasana or Barrio de las letras
- Check out the eateries and market stalls at the Mercado San Miguel
- Go shopping on Gran Via
Where to stay in Madrid on a business trip
Have you asked yourself the question “where should I stay in Madrid on a business trip?” It’s important to note that the city doesn’t follow a grid system. Instead it is centered around its medieval core, at the Puerta del Sol. Puerta del Sol makes an interesting neurological point from which to head to the rest of Madrid for meetings and events. Plus, it is very well connected with public transportation. It’s also close to landmarks if you want to do some bleisure traveling.
Lavapies is another interesting area to stay in as it’s just a 15-minute walk from Puerta del Sol, near different attractions like the Museo del Prado, Retiro Park, the Reina Sofia museum and Atocha train station. If you’re okay being away from the city center, then the Azca area between Paseo de la Castellana and Orense Street is a good area to stay by because it’s where a lot of the business and financial activities take place.
Need more tips or need help booking your business trip to Madrid? GetGoing might be the solution you’re looking for!